Pop Culture and Films

Movies and Pop Culture

Pop culture and movies have had a close and evolving relationship over time. Pop culture refers to the popular elements of culture, including music, television, fashion, and entertainment. Movies, on the other hand, are a form of visual storytelling that have been around for over a century.

Early movies were not necessarily considered a part of pop culture, as they were viewed as a novelty and not yet a mainstream form of entertainment. However, as movies became more popular and began to feature well-known actors and actresses, they started to become an integral part of pop culture.

The golden age of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s cemented movies as a key element of pop culture. During this time, movie stars like Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart became cultural icons, and their fashion, hairstyles, and mannerisms were imitated by millions. Movie studios were also known for their glamorous premieres, which were often covered extensively in the press.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the rise of television threatened movies' dominance as a form of entertainment. However, the movie industry adapted by focusing on big-budget spectacles like "Gone with the Wind" and "Ben-Hur" that could not be replicated on television. These films became cultural touchstones, and their impact on pop culture was felt for years after their release.

In the 1970s and 1980s, movies became more diverse and reflected changing societal attitudes. The emergence of independent filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola led to a new wave of gritty, realistic movies that explored themes like crime, politics, and social issues. At the same time, blockbusters like "Star Wars" and "Jaws" introduced new special effects and created global cultural phenomena.

In recent years, the relationship between movies and pop culture has become more complex. While movies continue to influence pop culture and vice versa, the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and social media has created new forms of entertainment that blur the line between movies and other elements of pop culture. Additionally, movies are now more likely to reflect diverse perspectives and address social issues, reflecting changing societal attitudes and values.

In summary, movies have been a key element of pop culture for over a century, and their impact has evolved over time. From Hollywood glamour to gritty realism to global blockbusters, movies have reflected changing societal attitudes and values and continue to influence and be influenced by pop culture.

There are many contemporary films that are overtly pop culture. Here are some examples:

Avengers franchise (2012-2019) - These films are based on the Marvel Comics superheroes and have become a massive pop culture phenomenon in recent years.

Star Wars franchise (2015-2019) - The Star Wars franchise has been a major part of pop culture since the release of the original film in 1977, and the recent films have continued to be popular.

Jurassic World franchise (2015-2022) - These films are based on the classic "Jurassic Park" movies and have been updated for a modern audience.

Harry Potter franchise (2001-2011) - The Harry Potter films are based on the bestselling book series by J.K. Rowling and have become a pop culture phenomenon.

The Hunger Games franchise (2012-2015) - These films are based on the bestselling book series by Suzanne Collins and have become a popular part of pop culture.

Frozen (2013) - This Disney animated film became a pop culture sensation, with its catchy songs and lovable characters.

Black Panther (2018) - This Marvel film broke records at the box office and became a cultural phenomenon, with its celebration of African culture and representation.

La La Land (2016) - This musical film became a popular part of pop culture, with its catchy songs and nostalgic Hollywood setting.

These are just a few examples of contemporary films that are overtly pop culture, as there are many other films that have become part of the zeitgeist in recent years.

Here are a few films that offer a range of topics and themes, making them excellent study subjects for analysis and discussion.

Get Out

Get Out is a 2017 horror film written and directed by Jordan Peele. The movie tells the story of Chris Washington (played by Daniel Kaluuya), a young Black man who goes to visit his white girlfriend's family in their secluded countryside home. As he spends time with her family, Chris becomes increasingly uncomfortable with the family's bizarre and disturbing behavior. The movie explores themes of race, identity, and social commentary in a way that is both thought-provoking and chilling.

One of the main themes of Get Out is racism and its impact on people's lives. The movie portrays the idea that even in a seemingly post-racial society, racism still exists and can manifest in various forms. The film presents a disturbing portrayal of how white people can fetishize Black culture while also denying Black people their humanity. The family in the film is shown to be obsessed with Black bodies, with the father, Dean Armitage (played by Bradley Whitford), telling Chris that he wishes he could "be" him. Additionally, the family uses hypnosis to control Black people's minds and bodies, turning them into mere vessels for the white people's consciousness. This use of Black bodies and erasure of their identity highlights the dehumanization of Black people throughout history, and how it continues today.

The film also explores the idea of the "sunken place," a metaphor for the ways in which society can silence and suppress marginalized voices. The sunken place is a state of mind that Chris enters when he is hypnotized, and it represents the way in which Black people are silenced and oppressed in a society that is still plagued by racism. This metaphor is a powerful way to illustrate how marginalized groups are often forced into silence and submission, and how difficult it can be to overcome systemic oppression.

In addition to these themes, Get Out also contains many elements of horror and suspense. The film builds tension through its use of music, cinematography, and storytelling. The ominous score creates a sense of unease, while the tight shots and claustrophobic camera angles make the audience feel trapped alongside Chris. The use of jump scares and unexpected twists also keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

Overall, Get Out is a thought-provoking and disturbing film that explores themes of racism, identity, and social commentary through the lens of horror. It uses its genre to make a powerful statement about the current state of race relations in the United States and the world. Through its use of symbolism, metaphor, and storytelling, the movie effectively conveys a message about the importance of acknowledging and confronting racism and oppression.


Black Panther